Requirements: Introduction to Political Theory and Philosophy
1) Regular attendance and active participation in class discussions. You must print all the texts available on-line for a session and bring them together with the Morgan reader to class. You must read all the texts assigned for a session and be in a position to refer to passages in the text in our discussions: 20% total of final grade
2) Three Papers (60% total of final grade)
a) Two shorter papers due on October 9 and November 13 (maximum of 2000-3000 words excluding footnotes): The feedback you receive on the two shorter papers will prepare you for the final research paper. 15% of grade each
b) and one final research paper due on December 4 (between 5000 and 6000 words excluding footnotes): This paper will prepare you for conference presentations and/or publishing a theory paper. 30% of grade
Each paper is due at the end of a section to help you digest the material.
3) Two Presentations (20 % total of final grade):
a) Each student is responsible for presenting (maximum 15 minutes) the main ideas/arguments and a critical evaluation of the arguments found in all of the readings of a session. The student poses three questions for classroom discussion and distributes an outline of her/his presentation to all members of the class at the time of presentation. 10% of grade
b) Each student will also be responsible for presenting (maximum 10 minutes) her/his final research paper. The first half of the class will present on December 4 and the second half will present on December 11. 10% of grade
General Course Policies:
1) The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the syllabus if necessary.
2) Late Assignments: Late assignments will be penalized 1/3 of a letter grade for each day that they are late (e.g., a B+ becomes a B if one day late). Extensions will be granted only if you have made arrangements with me at least 24 hours in advance of the due date and only in exceptional circumstances.
3) There will be no make-up examinations given unless you are excused from class for an official university activity or some extraordinary situation arises.
4) You must complete all assignments to receive a grade for this course.
5) Any student who plagiarizes any portion of an assignment will receive zero points on that assignment and the case will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct.
The standards of Conduct for Students can be found at http://conduct.wsu.edu. Information regarding Academic Integrity policies can be found here: http://academicintegrity.wsu.edu/Default.asp
6) All applicable University rules and regulations for student conduct will be applied in this course.
7) The final grading scale will closely follow the standard university scale.
8) Every kind of entertainment, which is not related to the class, is not accepted—please refrain from using iPods/Pads, MP3 players, laptop computers, etc. Mobile phones must be switched off during class.
9) Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability, If you have a disability and need accommodations to fully participate in this class, please either visit or call the Access Center (Washington Building 217; 509-335-3417) to schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor. All accommodations must be approved through the Access Center.